Our Story: The Legacy of General Printing

Looking for a top-quality custom printer in Columbia, Missouri, that’s as invested in your success as you are? At General Printing, customer service is at the heart of everything we do. Since 1968, we’ve helped thousands of clients, guiding each project with a commitment to excellence, timeliness, and budget-consciousness.

Humble Beginnings in the Printing Industry (1968-1984)

In 1968, Ken and Myrtle’s dream became reality when they purchased the General Printing shop on 9th Street in Columbia, Missouri. They had no formal business training—just determination and an unrelenting focus on delivering quality.

By day, Ken and Myrtle served customers, managed orders, and operated the printing presses. By night, Ken worked a second job at Ovid Bell Press, while Myrtle ran the shop alone. Their daughters, Janice and Brenda, often slept on stacks of paper as their parents worked late into the night—a powerful symbol of the family’s shared commitment to success.

By 1971, the shop had outgrown its first location. The business moved to a larger space on 8th Street, Columbia, where it thrived for more than two decades. In 1994, General Printing relocated to its current home at 1910 Providence Road, a modern facility built to meet the needs of a growing client base and an expanding range of services.

A Multi-Generational Future (1985 – Present)

In 1985, Janice Gibbs Brown officially joined the family business, bringing fresh ideas and a new energy that helped propel General Printing forward. Her sister, Brenda Gibbs, soon followed, solidifying a second-generation legacy of excellence. Together, they worked to expand the company’s reach, serving clients in Columbia, Jefferson City, Fulton, and surrounding areas.

As technology evolved, so did General Printing. The team embraced cutting-edge equipment and modern processes, but always stayed true to their roots of personalized service and craftsmanship. Whether producing vibrant marketing materials or tackling complex projects, the family’s dedication to quality earned them a loyal client base across mid-Missouri.

In 2023, a new chapter began as Emily Brown, granddaughter of Ken and Myrtle, joined General Printing. With a passion for sustainability and innovation, Emily represents the next generation of leadership. Under her guidance, the company has embraced eco-friendly practices, ensuring that General Printing remains competitive in a fast-changing world while staying true to its family-oriented values.

General Printing is proud to be a full-service, women-owned printing company serving Columbia and the Mid-Missouri area. Our success is built on a foundation of exceptional craftsmanship, a dedicated team, and almost 60 years of expertise.

What truly sets us apart isn’t just our technology or capabilities—it’s our people. Our skilled team works tirelessly to deliver unmatched quality, even for the most complex projects. At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to personalized service and the family values established by Ken and Myrtle Gibbs decades ago.

Our Values

At General Printing, our values are at the heart of everything we do. They shape our work, our relationships, and our community contributions:

• Quality: We are passionate about delivering results that exceed expectations, reflecting pride in every print job.
• Integrity: Honesty and transparency define our business practices and client interactions.
• Customer Commitment: We build lasting relationships by tailoring our services to meet each client’s unique needs.
• Innovation: We honor our rich tradition while embracing cutting-edge technologies to deliver outstanding results.

Our Services

At General Printing, we specialize in a comprehensive range of high-quality printing solutions tailored to meet the needs of businesses and individuals across mid-Missouri. With decades of experience, we bring precision, creativity, and care to every project.

Our Expertise Includes:

• High-End Color Sheet-Fed Offset Printing: Delivering vibrant, precise results for impactful materials like brochures, catalogs, and magazines.
• Short-Run Digital Printing: Fast, flexible solutions for smaller projects with tight deadlines, ensuring top-tier quality every time.
• Comprehensive Bindery Services: From binding and folding to trimming and finishing, we make sure every project looks polished and professional.
• Graphic Design and Prepress Services: Our talented designers and prepress team turn your concepts into beautifully executed materials, ready for production.

Whether you need quick-turnaround digital printing or detailed offset projects, we have the tools, expertise, and commitment to make your vision a reality.

Our Commitment to Excellence

For almost six decades, General Printing has been a trusted partner for businesses and individuals alike. Whether it’s a small project or a complex undertaking, we approach every job with:

• Unwavering Dedication to quality and customer care.
• Seamless Integration of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation.
• A Commitment to Sustainability, ensuring a brighter future for our community.

Our mission is to honor the legacy of Kenneth and Myrtle Gibbs while continuing to serve mid-Missouri with excellence.

Why Choose General Printing?

For almost six decades, General Printing has been a trusted partner for businesses and individuals across Columbia, Missouri, and mid-Missouri. Here’s why:

• Customer-First Service: Every project is handled with care and attention to detail.
• Exceptional Quality: From small orders to large-scale campaigns, we hold ourselves to the highest standards.
• Timeliness and Budget-Consciousness: On-time delivery and competitive pricing are our priorities.
• Local Expertise: Proudly serving Columbia, Jefferson City, Fulton, and beyond since 1968.

We don’t just print materials—we help bring your vision to life, building connections that make an impact.

Let’s Bring Your Vision to Life

From stunning offset printing to quick-turnaround digital solutions, General Printing is your trusted partner for all things printing. Visit us at 1910 Providence Rd, Columbia, MO, or contact us today to make your vision a reality.